Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus generates drawing data by using printing data and print setting information. The information processing apparatus includes a conversion unit that converts the print setting information into apparatus setting information; a plurality of drawing data generating units that generates the drawing data based on the printing data and the apparatus setting information; and a generating unit controller that analyzes the apparatus setting information to select one of the drawing data generating units and controls the selected drawing data generating unit in a control procedure corresponding to the selected drawing data generating unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application filed under 35U.S.C. 111(a) claiming the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/029,014 filed on Apr. 13, 2016, which is theNational Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2014/081675, filedon Nov. 25, 2014, which is based on and claims the benefit of priorityto Japanese Priority Application No. 2013-248687, filed on Nov. 29,2013, Japanese Priority Application No. 2014-054114, filed on Mar. 17,2014, and Japanese Priority Application No. 2014-231952, filed on Nov.14, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus andthe like that use a print job including print setting information andprint data and generate drawing data.

BACKGROUND ART

There is what is called production printing for printing and binding ahuge amount of commercial documents (see Patent Document 1, forexample). Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system capable ofnotifying a user of whether a post process is available in considerationof an entire portion of the printing system.

In the production printing system, a printing process is often handledas a workflow. There is a trend of opening printing workflows. Throughopening, it is possible for software (a workflow application describedbelow) and printing devices of various companies to describe setting ofprint jobs in a main process of printing in a common description method.A standard format called Job Definition Format (JDF) is known as aformat for describing an entire portion of the printing workflow.

The printing workflow has various types of processing such as creationof a document or contents, specification of a printing method, printing,and post processing. Although each process is performed by variousworkflow applications and printing devices, the JDF enables cooperationbetween the printing devices, printing process control, and the likeirrespective of difference of the workflow applications and differenceof manufacturers of the printing devices.

However, if the workflow application made by each software manufacturerhas extended the JDF, a description specific to the workflow applicationmay be included in the JDF. In this case, there may a situation where aworkflow application or a printing device positioned downstream cannotanalyze or process the JDF.

In order to solve such a problem, the workflow application or theprinting device positioned downstream may convert a JDF created by theworkflow application positioned upstream into a format that can behandled by the workflow application or the printing device positioneddownstream (see Patent Document 2, for example). Patent Document 2discloses a printing method, in which when a Personal Computer (PC)transmits print instruction information described in JDF codes to aprinting device, the printing device obtains, from received printinstruction information, an application name of an application programthat created the print instruction information, transmits theapplication name to a server, and the server transmits JDF analysis datafor the application name to the printing device.

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No.    2012-238188-   Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No.    2013-088992

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, in some cases, even if a JDF created by the workflowapplication positioned upstream is converted into a format that can behandled by the workflow application positioned downstream, outputresults may be different. In other words, the JDF is transmittedtogether with Page Description Language (PDL) as a print job from theworkflow application positioned upstream to the workflow application orthe printing device positioned downstream. In this case, even if theprint job (JDF+PDL) has the same format among manufacturers, it poses aproblem in that output results may be different because renderingengines in printing devices of these manufacturers are different.

In view of the above matter, it is a general object of the presentinvention to provide an information processing apparatus that reducesthe difference of output results due to the difference of renderingengines among manufacturers.

Means to be Solve the Problem

According to an aspect of the invention, an information processingapparatus for generating drawing data by using printing data and printsetting information is provided. The information processing apparatusincludes a conversion unit that converts the print setting informationinto apparatus setting information; a plurality of drawing datagenerating units that generates the drawing data based on the printingdata and the apparatus setting information; and a generating unitcontroller that analyzes the apparatus setting information to select oneof the drawing data generating units and controls the selected drawingdata generating unit in a control procedure corresponding to theselected drawing data generating unit.

The present invention is capable of providing an information processingapparatus that reduces the difference of output results due to thedifference of rendering engines among manufacturers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of a diagram showing an entire configuration of aprinting system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of a DFE;

FIG. 3 is an example of a functional block diagram of a DFE of relatedart for comparison;

FIG. 4 is an example of a functional block diagram of a DFE according toan embodiment;

FIG. 5A is an example of a diagram illustrating a part of a JDFdescription;

FIG. 5B is an example of a diagram illustrating a part of a JDFdescription;

FIG. 5C is an example of a diagram illustrating a part of a JDFdescription;

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table;

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table;

FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table;

FIG. 7A is an example of a diagram illustrating creation of “jobattributes within DFE”;

FIG. 7B is an example of a diagram illustrating creation of “jobattributes within DFE”;

FIG. 7C is an example of a diagram illustrating creation of “jobattributes within DFE”;

FIG. 8A is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating an exampleof “job attributes within DFE”;

FIG. 8B is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating an exampleof “job attributes within DFE”;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an “RIP Parameter List”;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an “RIP Parameter List”;

FIG. 11 is an example of a sequence diagram showing an operationprocedure of a DFE;

FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart of a detailed operation proceduremainly showing an RIP controlling portion if an RIP engine supports pageprocessing sequences; and

FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart of a detailed operation proceduremainly showing an RIP controlling portion if an RIP engine does notsupport page processing sequences.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the following, embodiments for carrying out the present invention aredescribed with reference to drawings.

FIG. 1 is an example of a diagram showing an entire configuration of aprinting system 200 according to an embodiment. The printing system 200according to the present embodiment includes at least one end userenvironment 1 and a Print On Demand (POD) printing system environment 2connected via a network 3 such as a LAN or the Internet.

In the end user environment 1, a client PC 11 is disposed. A workflowapplication for POD printing operation (hereafter simply referred to asapplication) 12 is installed on the client PC 11 and is capable ofgenerating a print job when a user operation is received.

The application 12 can perform an aggregate printing function (Number Upimpose function) to attach a plurality of logical page images to a sheetsurface and an image editing function to add a header, a footer, a pagenumber, and the like. Further, the application 12 can specify aperforation (punch) instruction for bookbinding and an instruction suchas a staple fixation (staple) instruction. These instructions orsettings are described in a JDF. The JDF is also referred to as a jobticket, an operation instruction, a printing instruction, and the like.

The POD printing system environment 2 includes a process controllingportion 20, a digital printing portion 30, and a post-press portion 40connected via the network 3. In the POD printing system environment 2,the process controlling portion 20 sends an instruction to perform anoperation to each of the digital printing portion 30 and the post-pressportion 40 and manages workflows of POD printing system environment 2 inan integrated manner.

The process controlling portion 20 receives a print job (Job DefinitionFormat (JDF) and Page Description Language (PDL)) from the end userenvironment 1 and stores the print job. The JDF is an example of printsetting information in the Claims and the PDL is an example of printingdata in the Claims. While the PDL is a language for specifying drawingcontents of a page image (rasterized image), the PDL here means datadescribed in the PDL. Examples of the PDL include Portable DocumentFormat (PDF), PostScript, PCL, RPDL, and the like.

The process controlling portion 20 also assembles operations in eachprocess as a workflow based on a print job from the end user environment1 and efficiently schedules operations of the digital printing portion30, the post-press portion 40, and each operator. When an error occursin automatic operation, the process controlling portion 20 can notifythe operator where necessary. In general, the process controllingportion 20 is configured to include at least one PC server 21.

The process controlling portion 20 transmits a print job to the digitalprinting portion 30 to cause the digital printing portion 30 to performprinting. Further, printed matter is conveyed to the post-press portion40 and the post-press portion 40 performs bookbinding, for example, byan instruction from the process controlling portion 20. The print jobmay be transmitted to the post-press portion 40 directly from thedigital printing portion 30.

The digital printing portion 30 is configured to include various typesof printers 31 (printer devices such as a printer for production, ahigh-speed color inkjet printer, and a color/monochrome MFP). In thedigital printing portion 30, a Digital Front End (DFE) 32 is disposed.The DFE 32 is also referred to as a printer controlling device andcontrols printing by the printers 31. The DFE 32 may be separate fromthe printers 31 as shown in the drawing or may be integrated with eachof the printers 31. When the DFE 32 obtains a print job from the processcontrolling portion 20, the DFE 32 uses a JDF and a PDL to generateraster data (an example of drawing data in the Claims) by which theprinter 31 forms an image using a toner image or ink, and the DFE 32transmits the raster data to the printer 31.

The digital printing portion 30 includes various types of printer 31.The digital printing portion 30 may include the printer 31 directlyconnected to a finisher (post-processing device) for performing postprocessing such as folding, saddle stitching bookbinding, case binding,and punching on printed recording paper.

The post-press portion 40 is configured to include post-processingdevices such as a folder, a saddle stitching bookbinder, a case binder,a cutter, an inserter, a collator, and the like in accordance with anoperation instruction of printed matter (post-press job) received fromthe process controlling portion 20. The post-press portion 40 performsfinishing processing such as folding, saddle stitching bookbinding, casebinding, cutting, inserting, collating, and the like on printed matteroutput from the digital printing portion 30. The post-press portion 40includes post-processing devices for performing post processing afterdigital printing such as a stapler 401, a puncher 402, and the like.

An end user in the end user environment 1 uses the application 12 forPOD printing operations from the client PC 11 to cause image editing,imposition, text insertion, post processing, and the like to beperformed and transmits a print job to the process controlling portion20 in the POD printing system environment 2.

In accordance with a JDF, the PC server 21 of the process controllingportion 20 instructs the digital printing portion 30 to perform printingand instructs the post-press portion 40 to perform a post process.

(Hardware Configuration)

In the present embodiment, the process controlling portion 20 receives aprint job created by the end user environment 1 and transmits the printjob to the DFE 32. Accordingly, the process controlling portion 20 orthe DFE 32 has a function of converting the print job, controlling aplurality of RIP engines described later, and the like of the presentembodiment. However, the end user environment 1 may have the function ofconverting the print job or controlling the RIP engines, for example.Further, other than these cases, an information processing deviceconnected to the network 3, for example, may include the function ofconverting the print job or controlling the plurality of RIP engines. Inthe following, the present embodiment is described on the assumptionthat the DFE 32 has the function of converting the print job andcontrolling the plurality of RIP engines.

FIG. 2 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the DFE 32.The DFE 32 is realized by a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 2,for example. In other words, the DFE 32 has a function of an informationprocessing device (computer). The DFE 32 includes a CPU 321, a RAM 322,an auxiliary storage device 323, a communication device 324, an inputdevice 325, a display controlling portion 326, and a recording mediumI/F 327 interconnected via a bus 329.

The CPU 321 controls the entire hardware portion of the DFE 32 byexecuting a program with the RAM 322 functioning as working memory. Theauxiliary storage device 323 is a non-volatile memory such as a HardDisk Drive (HDD) or a Solid State Drive (SSD). The auxiliary storagedevice 323 stores a program 328 that has a function of converting aprint job.

The communication device 324 is a modem, a LAN card, or the like and isconnected to the network 3 to communicate with the end user environment1, the process controlling portion 20, or the post-press portion 40. Thecommunication device 324 also communicates with the printers 31. Theinput device 325 is a keyboard or a mouse, for example, and accepts auser operation. The display controlling portion 326 is connected to adisplay screen 330 and performs rendering on the display screen 330 byan instruction from the CPU 321. The display screen 330 may include atouch panel.

A portable recording medium can be attached to or removed from therecording medium I/F 327. The recording medium I/F 327 writes data in arecording medium 331 by an instruction from the CPU 321 or reads outdata from the recording medium 331. The recording medium 331 may be oneof various types including a medium for optical, electric, or magneticrecording such as a CD-ROM, an optical disk, a USB memory, and an SDcard and a semiconductor memory for electrically recording informationsuch as a flash memory.

The program 328 is stored in the recording medium 331 and delivered orthe program 328 is downloaded from a server via the network 3.

Hardware configurations of the client PC 11 in the end user environment1 and the PC server 21 in the process controlling portion 20 can berealized by the same configuration as in FIG. 2.

(Functional Block Diagram)

FIG. 3 is an example of a functional block diagram of a DFE 32 ofrelated art for comparison. The DFE 32 performs job control, RasterImage Processor (RIP) control, and printer control in a workflow. Inthis manner, the DFE 32 operates as a server to provide the end userenvironment 1 or the process controlling portion 20 with a main functionof printing. The job control refers to control on a series of proceduresof a print job such as receiving the print job, analyzing a JDF,creating raster data, printing by the printer 31, and the like. The RIPcontrol refers to control to create an “RIP Parameter List” and cause anRIP engine 59 to create raster data after “job attributes within DFE”described below are created. The “job attributes within DFE” are anexample of apparatus setting information in the Claims and the “RIPParameter List” is an example of control data in the Claims.

The “RIP” is an acronym of “Raster Image Processor” and refers to adedicated IC for generating raster data and to generation (rendering) ofraster data.

The printer control refers to control to transmit the raster data and apart of the “job attributes within DFE” (Finishing information describedbelow) to the printer 31 and to cause the printer 31 to performprinting.

The DFE 32 supports the application 12 of company C and can normallyperform a print job (JDF and PDL) in a company C form. In the following,a procedure of printing is described.

1. A job receiving portion 51 receives a print job (PDL+JDF) in thecompany C form from the application 12 operating in the end userenvironment 1.2. The job receiving portion 51 outputs the print job to a systemcontrolling portion 52.3. The system controlling portion 52 temporarily stores the print job ina job data storing portion 53 depending on setting and subsequentlyoutputs the print job to a job controlling portion 55 or the systemcontrolling portion 52 directly outputs the print job to the jobcontrolling portion 55.4. The job controlling portion 55 transmits a JDF within the print jobto a JDF analyzing portion 56 and also outputs a JDF conversion requestto the JDF analyzing portion 56.5. The JDF analyzing portion 56 converts the JDF in the company C forminto “job attributes within DFE” that can be handled by the DFE 32. The“job attributes within DFE” are obtained by converting each attribute ofthe print job into a form handled by the DFE 32 of company C, forexample, as will be described below.6. The JDF analyzing portion 56 transmits the “job attributes withinDFE” resulting from the conversion to the job controlling portion 55.7. The job controlling portion 55 generates an “RIP Parameter List” fromthe “job attributes within DFE” and the “PDL”. The “RIP Parameter List”includes a set of information necessary for RIP processing by an RIPengine 59. The job controlling portion 55 determines an instruction forthe RIP processing for the RIP engine 59 from information in the “RIPParameter List”. This instruction is called an RIP command.8. The job controlling portion 55 initializes the RIP engine 59,determines RIP commands using the information necessary for RIPprocessing described in the “RIP Parameter List”, and outputs the RIPcommands to the RIP engine 59.9. The RIP engine 59 performs a drawing process in accordance with theRIP commands. As a result of the drawing process, raster data (bitmapdata) is generated in accordance with an output resolution of theprinter 31.10. The RIP engine 59 stores the raster data in an image storing portion60 after the drawing process and sends notification of an end of RIP tothe job controlling portion 55.11. The job controlling portion 55 transmits Finishing information fromthe “job attributes within DFE” to a printer controlling portion 61 andrequests printing.12. The printer controlling portion 61 receives the request of printingfrom the job controlling portion 55, checks an image stored in the imagestoring portion 60, and controls the printer 31 in accordance with theFinishing information to perform printing.

(a1) In this manner, since the DFE 32 can analyze the JDF in the companyC form, it is possible to convert the JDF into “job attributes withinDFE” and rasterize by the RIP engine 59. However, if the JDF is not inthe company C form, the JDF analyzing portion 56 may not appropriatelyanalyze the JDF.

(a2) Further, even if it is possible to analyze a JDF not in the companyC form, depending on workflow applications of other companies, a printjob including a JDF and a PDL may be different from a print job ofcompany C. In this case, the DFE 32 may not perform normal printing.

(a3) Further, even if different print jobs are supported, output resultsmay be different due to difference in processing of the RIP engine 59although the PDL in a print job is of the same PDL type (PDF,PostScript, or the like).

(a4) For example, even if it is possible to eliminate the difference ofoutput results by installing the RIP engine 59 of each company, the RIPengine 59 of each company generally has a different sequence forcontrol, so that it is impossible to reduce the difference of outputresults by only installing the RIP engine 59 of each company.

(DFE in the Present Embodiment)

FIG. 4 is an example of a functional block diagram of the DFE 32according to the present embodiment. The DFE 32 of the presentembodiment operates as follows as main features thereof in order tosolve the above-mentioned problem.

(b1) A JDF converting portion 63 of the JDF analyzing portion 56converts a JDF in each company's form into “job attributes within DFE”that can be handed by the DFE 32 of company C. In accordance with this,it is possible to solve (a1).

Further, when the JDF is converted into the “job attributes within DFE”,a “RIP control mode” is set in the “job attributes within DFE”.Specifically, a “Page Mode” or a “Sheet Mode” is set in the “RIP controlmode”.

The “Page Mode” causes RIP processing for each page and generates rasterdata aggregated in a single sheet.

The “Sheet Mode” causes RIP processing for each part (cell) of a singlesheet in which a plurality of pages has been aggregated and generatesraster data.

(b2) An RIP controlling portion 58 is disposed on an RIP portion 57. TheRIP controlling portion 58 controls the RIP engine 59 in accordance withthe “RIP control mode”. Accordingly, an optimum sequence for a print jobis selected by the “RIP control mode”. In accordance with this, it ispossible to solve (a2).

(b3) In the RIP portion 57, one of the RIP engines 59 is disposed foreach software manufacturer (for each RIP engine, identificationinformation is described below) of an application. In accordance withthis, it is possible to prevent the problem (a3) where output resultsmay be different due to difference in processing of the RIP engine 59although the PDL in a print job is of the same PDL type.

(b4) The RIP controlling portion 58 determines the RIP engine 59 to useamong a plurality of RIP engines 59 and controls the RIP engine 59 inaccordance with a sequence held in advance for each RIP engine 59. Inaccordance with this, it is possible to solve (a4).

In the following, a description is given based on FIG. 4. The DFE 32includes the job receiving portion 51, the system controlling portion52, a UI controlling portion 54, the job controlling portion 55, the JDFanalyzing portion 56, the RIP portion 57, the RIP controlling portion58, the RIP engine 59, and the printer controlling portion 61. These arerealized when the CPU 321 executes the program 328 and cooperates withvarious types of hardware shown in FIG. 2. The DFE 32 further includesthe job data storing portion 53 and the image storing portion 60configured in the auxiliary storage device 323, the RAM 322, therecording medium 331, or the like.

The job receiving portion 51 receives a print job from the application12 or the like via the network 3. For example, the job receiving portion51 extracts a JDF and a PDL from received data and outputs them to thejob controlling portion 55. Further, the job receiving portion 51associates the print job with a unique job number, a reception date andtime, an end date and time, a status, and the like and stores them in alog, for example. Other than being input from the application 12, theprint job may be input when the job receiving portion 51 reads out theprint job stored in a portable memory. In the present embodiment, theJDF is assumed to be included in the print job. If the JDF is notincluded, the job receiving portion 51 creates a dummy JDF and definessetting of a print job necessary to process a job within the DFE 32.

The system controlling portion 52 stores the received print job in thejob data storing portion 53 or outputs the received print job to the jobcontrolling portion 55. For example, if the DFE 32 is set in advance sothat a print job is stored in the job data storing portion 53, thesystem controlling portion 52 stores the print job in the job datastoring portion 53. Further, the JDF may describe whether to store aprint job in the job data storing portion 53.

If a user operates such that contents of the print job stored in the jobdata storing portion 53 are displayed on the display screen 330, forexample, the system controlling portion 52 outputs the JDF from the jobdata storing portion 53 to the UI controlling portion 54. If the userchanges the JDF, the UI controlling portion 54 receives changed contentsand the system controlling portion 52 stores the changed JDF in the jobdata storing portion 53 anew.

If the system controlling portion 52 receives an instruction to performthe print job from the user, the end user environment 1, or the processcontrolling portion 20, the system controlling portion 52 outputs theprint job stored in the job data storing portion 53 to the jobcontrolling portion 55. Further, if a printing time is set in the JDF,the system controlling portion 52 reads out the print job stored in thejob data storing portion 53 and outputs the print job to the jobcontrolling portion 55 at the printing time.

The job data storing portion 53 is a storage area for storing a printjob in this manner and is disposed in the auxiliary storage device 323of the DFE 32 or the recording medium 331. The job data storing portion53 may be disposed in a storage device on a network.

The UI controlling portion 54 interprets a JDF and displays contents ofa print job on the display screen 330. The UI controlling portion 54 candisplay raster data generated by the RIP engine 59 on the display screen330.

The job controlling portion 55 causes the RIP controlling portion 58 togenerate raster data and causes the printer controlling portion 61 toperform printing. Specifically, the job controlling portion 55 firsttransmits the JDF of the print job to the JDF analyzing portion 56 andoutputs a JDF converting request to the JDF analyzing portion 56.

The JDF analyzing portion 56 changes the JDF in the company C form to“job attributes within DFE” of company C as performed in related art.The JDF converting portion 63 of the JDF analyzing portion 56 analyzes adescription of the JDF to determine a software manufacturer (an exampleof an original generator in the Claims) of the application 12 thatcreated the JDF. The determination of the software manufacturer thatcreated the JDF means substantially the same as determination of the RIPengine 59 by which the print job is assumed to be rendered. The JDFconverting portion 63 uses a conversion table 62 created on the basis ofcorrespondence between a JDF in each company's form and the “jobattributes within DFE” of company C and changes the JDF dependent on thesoftware manufacturer of the application 12 to “job attributes withinDFE” of company C. The conversion table 62 is created for each softwaremanufacturer.

The JDF converting portion 63 sets the “RIP control mode (“Page Mode” or“Sheet Mode”)” in the “job attributes within DFE”. In other words, theJDF converting portion 63 determines the JDF to be in a company A or Bform other than company C and sets the “RIP control mode” suitable forthe print job created by the software manufacturer of the application12. Whether a print job of each company is created in the “Page Mode” orthe “Sheet Mode” has been examined in advance. In the presentembodiment, it is assumed that company C handles setting of aggregateprinting of a print job in the “Page Mode”.

Further, the JDF converting portion 63 may set “RIP engineidentification information” in the “job attributes within DFE”. In otherwords, the JDF converting portion 63 determines the JDF to be in thecompany A or B form other than company C and sets “RIP engineidentification information” suitable for each company.

The job controlling portion 55 obtains the “job attributes within DFE”in accordance with this, converts the “job attributes within DFE” and aPDL into an “RIP Parameter List” and outputs the print job as the “RIPParameter List” to the RIP controlling portion 58. The job controllingportion 55 causes the RIP controlling portion 58 to perform a drawingprocess using the RIP engine 59. In other words, the job controllingportion 55 may create the “RIP Parameter List” from the “job attributeswithin DFE” and the PDL in the same manner as a case where the RIPcontrolling portion 58 is removed. The “RIP Parameter List” includes the“RIP control mode”.

Further, the job controlling portion 55 always operates in accordancewith a sequence in the “Page Mode”. The job controlling portion 55always operates in a company's own control mode, so that the jobcontrolling portion 55 does not need to be changed to support a printjob (JDF and PDL) of an other company. The job controlling portion 55can reduce development costs or a development period by avoiding achange to support a print job of an other company in order to providemain functions when the print job is performed.

The RIP portion 57 includes the RIP controlling portion 58 and the RIPengines 59 and generates raster data using them. One of the RIP engines59 is prepared for each software manufacturer of an application. Inaddition, even if software manufacturers are different, it is possibleto use the same RIP engine 59 as long as the RIP engine 59 that onesoftware manufacturer uses is the same as the RIP engine 59 of anothersoftware manufacturer. In the drawing, three RIP engines 59 are arrangedbut the number of the RIP engines 59 may be at least two or four ormore.

The RIP controlling portion 58 analyzes information in the “RIPParameter List” and determines an RIP engine to use from a plurality ofthe RIP engines 59. The determination of the RIP engine is based on atleast one item in the “RIP Parameter List” or based on “RIP engineidentification information” shown in the “RIP Parameter List”.

The RIP controlling portion 58 stores a sequence for control for each ofthe plurality of RIP engines 59. Accordingly, the job controllingportion 55 may output the “RIP Parameter List” to the RIP controllingportion 58 irrespective of the RIP engine 59 to use.

The RIP controlling portion 58 refers to the “RIP Parameter List” andtransmits an RIP command to the RIP engine 59. If the “RIP control mode”is “Sheet Mode”, the RIP controlling portion 58 outputs the RIP commandto the RIP engine 59 in accordance with the “Sheet Mode”. In accordancewith this, it is possible to eliminate a difference of print jobs.

The RIP engine 59 is a rendering engine and generates raster data byrasterizing in accordance with the RIP command. As mentioned above, theplurality of RIP engines 59 corresponding to software manufacturers ofapplications is present.

The image storing portion 60 is a storage unit that stores generatedraster data. The image storing portion 60 is installed in the auxiliarystorage device 323, for example.

The printer controlling portion 61 is connected to the printer 31. Theprinter controlling portion 61 performs printing by reading out theraster data stored in the image storing portion 60 and transmitting theraster data to the printer 31. The printer controlling portion 61 alsoperforms a finishing process on the basis of the Finishing informationobtained from the job controlling portion 55.

(Information about Other Companies within JDF)

A JDF is described in Extensible Markup Language (XML). The XML is astandard of structured text for providing a meaning to tags andstructuring a document.

FIGS. 5A-C are examples of a diagram illustrating a part of a JDFdescription. FIG. 5A describes contents of an instruction for a printjob.

“JDF xmlns=“http://www.CIP4.org/JDFSchema_1_1”” indicates a JDF ticketcompliant with CIP4.“xmlns:C=“www.ccc.com/schema/ccc”” indicates a JDF tag definitionindependently extended by each printing company or vendor which is notcompliant with CIP 4. In this example, any tag starting with“C:” within a JDF is an extended tag.“ResourcePool” defines a collection of attributes to realize printing.“LayoutPreparationParams” is one of attributes defined in theResourcePool and defines attributes related to imposition.“ResourceLinkPool” defines a collection of references to attributescommonly used within the ResourcePool for specific ranges if attributesare different in the ranges within a job such as pages.“ComponentLink” is one of definitions of references within the“ResourceLinkPool” and specifies a reference of an attribute related toan output product and information.“Amount” specifies a number of copies.“Rotate” specifies a rotation angle for an image.

If a JDF shown in FIG. 5A is created by the application 12 of company C,the DFE 32 of company C can correctly analyze the JDF. By contrast, asshown in FIGS. 5B and C, a company of the application 12 may extend theJDF.

FIG. 5B is an example of expansion by company A and FIG. 5C is anexample of expansion by company B. In FIG. 5B,

“xmlns:A=“www.aaa.com/schema/aaa”” indicates that any tag starting with“A:” within the JDF is an extended tag of company A. In FIG. 5C,“xmlns:B=“www.bbb.com/schema/bbb”” indicates that any tag starting with“B:” within the JDF is an extended tag of company B.

Accordingly, the JDF converting portion 63 can identify a softwaremanufacturer of the application 12 that created the JDF by referring tothese descriptions of the JDF. It is possible to use the conversiontable 62 mentioned below depending on a software manufacturer of theapplication 12 and convert the JDF into “job attributes within DFE” thatcan be handled by the DFE 32 of company C.

(Creation of Job Attributes within DFE)

Creation of “job attributes within DFE” is described with reference toFIGS. 6A-C and 7A-C. FIGS. 6A-C show examples of the conversion table62. FIGS. 7A-C are examples of a diagram illustrating creation of “jobattributes within DFE”. The JDF analyzing portion 56 converts a JDF inthe company C form into “job attributes within DFE” in the same manneras in related art. The conversion is performed, for example, byreferring to the conversion table 62 that associates an attribute withina tag of the JDF with an item of the “job attributes within DFE” andplacing an attribute value of the JDF as an item value of the “jobattributes within DFE”. The conversion tables 62 on FIGS. 7A-C are theconversion tables shown in FIGS. 6A-C. FIG. 6A is shown in FIG. 7A, FIG.6B is shown in FIG. 7B, and FIG. 6C is shown in FIG. 7C.

FIG. 6A shows an example of a conversion table of company C. Theconversion table of company C associates a value of an attribute name“Amount” with an item value of an item name “the number of copies” andassociates a value or an attribute name “Rotate” with an item value ofan item name “rotation”.

When the JDF converting portion 63 identifies a software manufacturer(namely, an RIP engine assumed to process a print job) that created theprint job as mentioned above, the JDF converting portion 63 uses theconversion table 62 for each software manufacturer to convert the JDFinto the “job attributes within DFE”.

The JDF converting portion 63 stores the conversion table 62 of companyA and the conversion table 62 of company B in advance. FIG. 6B shows theconversion table 62 of company A and FIG. 6C shows the conversion table62 of company B. The JDF converting portion 63 detects a descriptionthat specifies an extended tag from a JDF, identifies a manufacturer ofthe application 12, and uses the conversion table 62 for eachmanufacturer as mentioned above.

It is possible to convert the JDF in the company A or B form in the samemanner as in a JDF in the company C form. The conversion table ofcompany A associates a value of an attribute name

“A:Amount” with an item value of an item name “the number of copies” andassociates a value or an attribute name “A:Rotate” with an item value ofan item name “rotation”. The conversion table of company B associates avalue of an attribute name “B:DeliveryAmount” with an item value of anitem name “the number of copies” and associates a value or an attributename “B:Rotate” with an item value of an item name “rotation”. In theconversion table of company B, rotation is enabled only if a value of anattribute name “B:AlternateRotation” is “false”. If the JDF isdetermined to be in the company A or B form, it is possible to create“job attributes within DFE” in the same manner as in a JDF in thecompany C form.

If the JDF converting portion 63 determines that a form of a print jobin aggregate printing is created by the application 12 of a companydifferent from its own company (company C), the JDF converting portion63 sets “Sheet Mode” in an item “RIP control mode” of the “jobattributes within DFE”. If the application 12 is made by its own companyor the form of a print job in aggregate printing is created by anapplication of the same company (company C), the JDF converting portion63 sets “Page Mode” in the item “RIP control mode”. Accordingly, the RIPcontrolling portion 58 can control an RIP command to be output to theRIP engine 59 in accordance with the “RIP control mode”.

The “RIP control mode” may be set if the form of a print job inaggregate printing is not created by the application 12 of a companydifferent from its own company (company C) but created by theapplication 12 and aggregate printing for two or more pages is actuallyset in a JDF.

In this manner, if the JDF converting portion 63 creates the “jobattributes within DFE”, descriptions such as“xmlns:A=“www.aaa.com/schema/aaa””, “xmlns:B=“www.bbb.com/schema/bbb””,a tag starting with “A:” (“A:Amount”, “A:Rotate”), and a tag startingwith “B:” (“B:DeliveryAmount”, “B:Rotate”) are included or can beconverted to be included in the “job attributes within DFE”. Further,information about such descriptions can be included in the “RIPParameter List”. In accordance with this, the RIP controlling portion 58can detect these descriptions from the “RIP Parameter List” and select asingle RIP engine 59.

Further, the JDF converting portion 63 may set the “RIP engineidentification information” directly in the “job attributes within DFE”as in the “RIP control mode”. In this case, a company name such ascompany A, company B, or company C is set or an ID (identificationinformation) specific to company A, company B, or company C is set, forexample. The specific ID (identification information) is an example ofspecified information in the Claims.

FIG. 8A is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating an exampleof “job attributes within DFE”. The “job attributes within DFE” issubstantially divided into “Job information” related to performing ajob, “Edit information” related to raster data, and “Finishinginformation” related to a finishing process.

-   -   In the Job information, an item “number of copies” specifies a        number of copies of a print job.    -   In the Job information, an item “number of pages” specifies a        number of pages included in the print job.    -   In the Job information, an item “RIP control mode” specifies a        control mode of an RIP engine by the RIP controlling portion 58.    -   In the Edit information, an item “direction information”        specifies a direction of printing.    -   In the Edit information, an item “printing surface information”        specifies a printing surface.    -   In the Edit information, an item “rotation” specifies a rotation        angle of a page.    -   In the Edit information, an item “scaling up/down” specifies        scaling and magnification.    -   In the Edit information, an item “image position: offset”        specifies an offset of an image.    -   In the Edit information, an item “image position: positional        adjustment information” specifies positional adjustment of an        image.    -   In the Edit information, an item “layout information: custom        imposition arrangement” specifies arrangement of a custom        surface.    -   In the Edit information, an item “layout information: page        number” specifies a page number of a single sheet.    -   In the Edit information, an item “layout information: imposition        information” specifies information about surface arrangement.    -   In the Edit information, an item “layout information: page order        information” specifies information about order of pages to be        printed.    -   In the Edit information, an item “layout information: creep        positional adjustment” specifies information about adjustment of        a creep position.    -   In the Edit information, an item “margin information” specifies        information about a margin such as a fit box or a gutter.    -   In the Edit information, an item “crop mark information: center        crop mark information” specifies information about a center crop        mark.    -   In the Edit information, an item “crop mark information: corner        crop mark information” specifies information about a corner crop        mark.    -   In the Finishing information, an item “Collate information”        specifies information about whether printing is performed page        by page or on a document basis if a plurality of copies of a        document is to be printed.    -   In the Finishing information, an item “staple/bind information”        specifies information about stapling or binding.    -   In the Finishing information, an item “punch information”        specifies information about punching.    -   In the Finishing information, an item “folding information”        specifies information about folding.    -   In the Finishing information, an item “trimming information”        specifies information about trimming.    -   In the Finishing information, an item “output tray information”        specifies information about an output tray.    -   In the Finishing information, an item “input tray information”        specifies information about an input tray.    -   In the Finishing information, an item “cover sheet information”        specifies information about a cover sheet.

In the “RIP control mode” of the “job attributes within DFE”, “PageMode” or “Sheet Mode” is set. While the “RIP control mode” is set as anitem of the “job attributes within DFE” in FIG. 8A, the “RIP controlmode” may be set as an attachment to the “job attributes within DFE”.

FIG. 8B is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating an exampleof “job attributes within DFE”. In FIG. 8B, “RIP engine identificationinformation” for identifying a plurality of RIP engines 59 is setseparately from the “RIP control mode”.

If there is only one software manufacturer whose “RIP control mode” is“Sheet Mode”, the “Sheet Mode” being set as the “RIP control mode”serves as information to identify an RIP engine (software manufacturer).

(RIP Parameter List)

An “RIP Parameter List” is created from “job attributes within DFE” anda PDL. As mentioned above, the “job attributes within DFE” areinformation that can be handled by the DFE 32 of company C. In otherwords, the “job attributes within DFE” are described in terminology anda form such that the job controlling portion 55 can analyze the “jobattributes within DFE” and create an “RIP Parameter List”. Further,although the “RIP Parameter List” includes the item “RIP control mode”,the “RIP control mode” is only one of items in the “job attributeswithin DFE”. The same applies if the “RIP engine identificationinformation” is included.

Accordingly, even if the “RIP control mode” or the “RIP engineidentification information” is included, this item may be described fromthe “job attributes within DFE” to the “RIP Parameter List”. In otherwords, the “RIP Parameter List” is common irrespective of presence orabsence of setting of the “RIP control mode” and presence or absence ofthe “RIP engine identification information”. Accordingly, in comparisonwith the job controlling portion 55 of related art shown in FIG. 3, forexample, functions of the job controlling portion 55 in this embodimentare not changed at all or not substantively changed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the “RIP Parameter List”.

-   -   Input/output data type information specifies types of input or        output data (for input or output data, not only a PDL but also a        text file or image data such as JPEG are specified).    -   Reading/writing position specifying method information for        input/output data specifies a method for specifying an offset        (reading/writing position) of input or output data. For example,        it is possible to specify the offset at a designated position, a        current position, or an endmost position.    -   Reading/writing position information for input/output data        specifies a current processing position for input and output        data.    -   Reading/writing execution mode information for input/output data        specifies an execution mode. For example, READ, WRITE, READ        WRITE, or the like is specified.    -   Unit information (dimensions) specifies a unit to be used within        the “RIP Parameter List”. For example, “mm”, “inch”, “pel”,        “point”, or the like is specified.    -   Compression method information for input/output data specifies a        method for compressing input and output data. For example,        “UNCOMPRESSED”, “PACKBITS”, or the like is specified.    -   “RIP control mode” specifies a control mode in aggregate        printing. For example, “Page Mode” or “Sheet Mode” is specified.

An input/output image information portion has “information about anoutput image”, “information about an input image”, and “informationabout handling of an image”.

(Information about an Output Image)

-   -   Image format type specifies a type of an output image format.        For example, raster or the like is specified.    -   Image format dimensions specify dimensions of an output image        format.    -   Image format resolution specifies resolution of an output image        format.    -   Image position specifies a position of an output image.    -   Color separation information specifies color separation. For        example, “k”, “cmyk”, “separation”, or the like is specified.    -   Color plane fit policy information specifies a method for        expanding color planes.    -   Plane shift information specifies an amount of shift of a color        plane.    -   Color bit number of an image format specifies a number of color        bits of an output image format.    -   Image direction information specifies a direction of a page of        an output image.    -   Image formation position information specifies positional        information about a crop area.    -   Image formation size information specifies size information        about a crop area.    -   Image formation method information specifies a policy of        cropping.    -   Color ICC information specifies information about a color ICC        profile.    -   Font substitution information specifies information about a        substitute for a font.    -   Image formation origin information specifies an origin of image        formation. For example, “center”, “upper right”, or the like is        specified.    -   Flat K black information specifies information about flat K        black.    -   Rendering information specifies information about rendering        (rasterizing).        (Information about an Input Image)    -   Image format type specifies a type of an input image format. For        example, raster or the like is specified.    -   Image format dimensions specify dimensions of an input image        format.    -   Image format resolution specifies resolution of an input image        format.    -   Image position specifies a position of an input image.    -   Input data specifies input data.    -   Page area information specifies a page number.    -   Color ICC information specifies information about a color ICC        profile.        (Information about Handling of an Image)    -   Scaling offset information specifies an offset of a scaling        algorithm. For example, a horizontal offset, a vertical offset,        or the like is specified.    -   Object region information specifies a width and a height of an        object region.    -   Halftone information specifies an offset of halftone. For        example, a horizontal offset, a vertical offset, or the like is        specified.    -   Scaling algorithm information specifies a scaling method.

Information about PDL specifies a data area, size information, and adata arrangement method.

-   -   Data area specifies information about an area where a PDL is        stored. Font information, information about a number of pages,        and the like are included in the PDL present in the data area.    -   Size information specifies a size of the PDL.    -   Data arrangement method specifies a method for arranging data.        For example, little endian, big endian, or the like is        specified.

The “RIP control mode” is not limited to a place shown in FIG. 9 and maybe set in an other place within the “RIP Parameter List”. Further, thewording “RIP control mode” may be removed as long as the “RIP controlmode” is included as information.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the “RIP ParameterList”. In FIG. 10, “RIP engine identification information” (such as acompany name in this case) is set following the “RIP control mode”. Inaccordance with this, the RIP controlling portion 58 is capable ofselecting the RIP engine 59 by only referring to a specific item (“RIPengine identification information”) from the “RIP Parameter List”without detecting “xmlns:A=“www.aaa.com/schema/aaa“ ” or“xmlns:B=“www.bbb.com/schema/bbb“ ” (or “A:Amount” or“B:DeliveryAmount”).

(Control Procedure)

FIG. 11 is an example of a sequence diagram showing an operationprocedure of a DFE.

S1: The application 12 transmits a print job (JDF+PDL) to the jobreceiving portion 51.S2: The job receiving portion 51 outputs the print job to the systemcontrolling portion 52.

One of a process in Step S3-1 or a process in step S3-2 is performed.

S3-1: If the DFE 32 is set to store the print job in the job datastoring portion 53 or the JDF includes setting to store the print job inthe job data storing portion 53, the system controlling portion 52stores the print job in the job data storing portion 53.S3-2: If there is no such setting to store the print job in the job datastoring portion 53, the system controlling portion 52 outputs the printjob to the job controlling portion 55.S4: The job controlling portion 55 outputs the JDF of the print job tothe JDF analyzing portion 56 and also outputs a JDF conversion requestto the JDF analyzing portion 56.S5: The JDF analyzing portion 56 converts the JDF in each company's forminto “job attributes within DFE” that can be handled by the DFE 32 ofcompany C. Upon conversion, the JDF analyzing portion 56 sets the “RIPcontrol mode (‘Page Mode’ or ‘Sheet Mode’)” in the “job attributeswithin DFE”. The “RIP control mode” may be set prior to creation, uponcreation, or following the creation of the “job attributes within DFE”.S6: The JDF analyzing portion 56 outputs the “job attributes within DFE”to the job controlling portion 55.S7: The job controlling portion 55 creates an “RIP Parameter List” fromthe “job attributes within DFE” and the “PDL”.S8: The job controlling portion 55 outputs the “RIP Parameter List” tothe RIP controlling portion 58.S9: The RIP controlling portion 58 determines a RIP engine 59 to usebased on the “RIP Parameter List”.

The following processes are different depending on whether the “RIPcontrol mode” is the “Page Mode” or the “Sheet Mode”. First, the “PageMode” is described.

S10-1: The RIP controlling portion 58 initializes the determined RIPengine 59.S11-1: The job controlling portion 55 requests RIP performing from theRIP controlling portion 58.S12-1: The RIP controlling portion 58 instead of the job controllingportion 55 outputs an RIP command. If the “RIP control mode” is the“Page Mode”, the RIP controlling portion 58 outputs the RIP command in asequence suitable for the “Page Mode”.S13-1: The RIP engine 59 performs rasterization.S14-1: The RIP engine 59 stores raster data in the image storing portion60.

Next, the “Sheet Mode” is described.

S10-2: The RIP controlling portion 58 initializes the determined RIPengine 59.S11-2: The job controlling portion 55 requests RIP performing from theRIP controlling portion 58.S12-2: If the “RIP control mode” is the “Sheet Mode”, the RIPcontrolling portion 58 outputs an RIP command in a sequence suitable forthe “Sheet Mode”.S13-2: The RIP engine 59 performs rasterization.S14-2: The RIP engine 59 stores raster data in the image storing portion60.

Accordingly, when the RIP engine 59 is determined based on the “RIPParameter List”, the RIP controlling portion 58 can control the RIPengine 59 in accordance with the “Page Mode” or the “Sheet Mode”.Operations of the job controlling portion 55 are not different betweenthe “Page Mode” and the “Sheet Mode”.

S15: The job controlling portion 55 outputs Finishing information alongwith a request of printing to the printer controlling portion 61. TheFinishing information may be output before or after raster data isgenerated.S16: The printer controlling portion 61 checks the raster data in theimage storing portion 60 upon obtaining the request of printing andperforms printing.

The difference between the “Page Mode” and the “Sheet Mode” which is anexample of a difference between print jobs results from a difference ofsoftware manufacturers of a JDF. If a software manufacturer isdetermined, the “RIP control mode” is considered to be determined suchthat companies A and C employ the “Page Mode” and company B employs the“Sheet Mode”, for example. Accordingly, instead of having separatesequences for the “Page Mode” and the “Sheet Mode” as shown in FIG. 11,the sequences of the “Page Mode” and the “Sheet Mode” may be switcheddepending on the RIP engine 59 to use. In other words, it is possible toeliminate a difference of print jobs by selecting the RIP engine 59 andswitching the sequences.

(Difference of Sequences Due to Difference of RIP Engines)

Since sequences are different depending on the RIP engine 59, a suitablesequence for each RIP engine is determined in advance in the RIPcontrolling portion 58. For example, depending on the RIP engine 59, apage processing sequence may be supported or not. The page processingsequence is for controlling rendering of one page on a RIP engine side.In the RIP engine 59 that supports the page processing sequence, whendata is transmitted to the RIP engine 59 page by page, the RIP engine 59autonomously renders each page.

FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart of a detailed operation proceduremainly showing the RIP controlling portion 58 if the RIP engine 59supports page processing sequences. This process replaces the process inS11-1 to S13-1 or S11-2 to S13-2 shown in FIG. 11.

S1: The job controlling portion 55 outputs a job process startingrequest to the RIP controlling portion 58.S2: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs a job process startinginstruction to the RIP engine 59.S3: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs a job process startingresponse to the job controlling portion 55.

Processes in S4 to S9 are performed on each page and repeated for thenumber of pages.

S4: The job controlling portion 55 outputs a page process startingrequest to the RIP controlling portion 58.S5: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs a page process startingresponse to the job controlling portion 55.S6: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs page RIP data to the RIPengine 59.S7: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs a page RIP startinginstruction to the RIP engine 59.S8: The RIP engine 59 outputs a page RIP completion notice to the RIPcontrolling portion 58 when rendering one page ends.S9: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs a page process completionnotice to the job controlling portion 55.S10: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs a job process completionnotice to the job controlling portion 55.

FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart of a detailed operation proceduremainly showing the RIP controlling portion 58 if the RIP engine 59 doesnot support page processing sequences. This process replaces the processin S11-1 to S13-1 or S11-2 to S13-2 shown in FIG. 11.

S1: The job controlling portion 55 outputs a job process startingrequest to the RIP controlling portion 58.S2: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs a job process startinginstruction to the RIP engine 59.S3: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs a job process startingresponse to the job controlling portion 55.

A process in S4 to S12 is performed on each page and repeated for thenumber of pages.

S4: The job controlling portion 55 outputs a page process startingrequest to the RIP controlling portion 58.S5: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs a page process startingresponse to the job controlling portion 55.

Further, a process in S6 to S11 is repeated for a number of storageareas storing RIPed images. The storage area storing RIPed images refersto an area for storing RIPed images held in the image storing portion 60(the storage area storing RIPed images is an example of a drawing unitin the Claims). If an area sufficient to store an image of one page issecured, the process is repeated once. If the storage area storing RIPedimages has only an M size, for example, and a size of an image of onepage is 5×M, the process is repeated five times (=5×M/M).

S6: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs an RIP preparation startinginstruction to the RIP engine 59.S7: The RIP engine 59 outputs an RIP data request to the RIP controllingportion 58.S8: The RIP controlling portion 58 transmits RIP data to the RIP engine59. In other words, since the RIP engine 59 does not support renderingpage by page, the RIP controlling portion 58 transmits the RIP data inresponse to the request from the RIP engine 59.S9: The RIP engine 59 outputs an RIP preparation completion notice tothe RIP controlling portion 58.S10: The RIP controlling portion 58 outputs an RIP starting instructionto the RIP engine 59.S11: The RIP engine 59 outputs an RIP completion notice to the RIPcontrolling portion 58.S12: When the process in S6 to S11 is repeated for the number of storageareas storing RIPed images (when processing for one page ends), the RIPcontrolling portion 58 outputs a page process completion notice to thejob controlling portion 55.S13: When rendering of all pages ends, the RIP controlling portion 58outputs a job process completion notice to the job controlling portion55.

Since the RIP controlling portion 58 switches sequences depending on theRIP engine 59 as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, if the RIP engine 59 ofeach company is installed on the DFE 32, it is possible to appropriatelycontrol each RIP engine 59. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce adifference of output results which result from a difference of the RIPengine 59 of each company installed on the DFE 32.

Further, even if a description form of a JDF is different in eachcompany, the JDF converting portion 63 can identify a softwaremanufacturer and convert the JDF into “job attributes within DFE”.Further, even if a form of a print job is different in each company, itis possible to eliminate the difference of print jobs when the RIPcontrolling portion 58 switches control procedures.

While the best mode for carrying out the present invention is describedwith reference to the embodiment, the present invention is not limitedto the specifically disclosed embodiment, but various variations andmodifications may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

For example, the client PC 11 of the end user environment 1 positionedupstream relative to the DFE 32 of company C executes an application andthe JDF converting portion 63 identifies a software manufacturer of theapplication. However, a printing device positioned upstream relative tothe DFE 32 of company C may be present and the printing device mayexecute the application.

Further, while a JDF is converted in a framework referred to as aprinting workflow in the present embodiment, print setting that is notreferred to as a JDF may be converted.

Further, while a software manufacturer of the application 12 isidentified in the present embodiment, the software manufacturer mayindicate a manufacturer of the printing device. Further, the softwaremanufacturer includes a company that has developed the application 12and a subcontractor for development.

The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosedembodiments, but various variations and modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 end user environment-   2 POD printing system environment-   11 client PC-   12 application-   20 process controlling portion-   30 digital printing portion-   31 printer-   32 DFE-   40 post-press portion-   51 job receiving portion-   52 system controlling portion-   53 job data storing portion-   54 UI controlling portion-   55 job controlling portion-   56 JDF analyzing portion-   57 RIP portion-   58 RIP controlling portion-   59 RIP engine-   60 image storing portion-   61 printer controlling portion-   62 conversion table-   63 JDF converting portion

1. An information processing apparatus for generating drawing data byusing printing data and print setting information, comprising: aconversion unit that converts the print setting information intoapparatus setting information; a plurality of drawing data generatingunits that generate the drawing data based on the printing data and theapparatus setting information; and a generating unit controller thatanalyzes the apparatus setting information to select one of the drawingdata generating units and controls the selected drawing data generatingunit in a control procedure corresponding to the selected drawing datagenerating unit.
 2. The information processing apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the generating unit controller controls the selecteddrawing data generating unit in a control procedure stored in advancefor the selected drawing data generating unit.
 3. The informationprocessing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the conversion unitanalyzes the print setting information and includes specifiedinformation for specifying one of the drawing data generating units inthe apparatus setting information; and wherein the generating unitcontroller detects the specified information included in the apparatussetting information by analyzing the apparatus setting information andselects the drawing data generating unit specified by the specifiedinformation.
 4. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim2, wherein the generating unit controller detects information forselecting one of the drawing data generating units by analyzing theapparatus setting information and selects the drawing data generatingunit.
 5. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 4,wherein each of the plurality of drawing data generating units isprepared in advance for an original generator of the printing data andthe print setting information; and wherein the generating unitcontroller analyzes the apparatus setting information to identify theoriginal generator and selects one of the drawing data generating unitsprepared for the original generator.
 6. The information processingapparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a job controllerthat uses the printing data and the apparatus setting information togenerate control data as the apparatus setting information, wherein thejob controller generates the control data of the same form irrespectiveof the drawing data generating unit selected by the generating unitcontroller through analysis of the control data.
 7. The informationprocessing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the job controlleroutputs the control data to the generating unit controller in the sameprocedure irrespective of the drawing data generating unit selected bythe generating unit controller through analysis of the control data. 8.The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein ifthe drawing data generating unit selected by the generating unitcontroller has a sequence for controlling a drawing process for onepage, the generating unit controller instructs the drawing datagenerating unit to perform drawing page by page; and wherein if thedrawing data generating unit selected by the generating unit controllerdoes not have the sequence for controlling a drawing process for onepage, the generating unit controller instructs the drawing datagenerating unit to perform drawing based on a drawing unit required inthe drawing data generating unit.
 9. An information processing methodfor generating drawing data by using printing data and print settinginformation, comprising: by a conversion unit, converting the printsetting information into apparatus setting information; by a generatingunit controller, analyzing the apparatus setting information to selectone of a plurality of drawing data generating units and controlling theselected drawing data generating unit in a control procedurecorresponding to the selected drawing data generating unit; and by theselected drawing data generating unit, generating the drawing data basedon the printing data and the apparatus setting information.
 10. Anon-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing acomputer-readable program that, when executed by a computer, causes aninformation processing apparatus for generating drawing data by usingprinting data and print setting information to perform a processcomprising: converting the print setting information into apparatussetting information; analyzing the apparatus setting information toselect one of a plurality of drawing data generating units andcontrolling the selected drawing data generating unit in a controlprocedure corresponding to the selected drawing data generating unit;and instructing the selected drawing data generating unit to generatethe drawing data based on the printing data and the apparatus settinginformation.